| Computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereof -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereofUSPTO Application #: 20060089866Title: Computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereof Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium (100) for exchanging workflows (112), said workflows (112) presented by way of a graphical user interface (GUI) (102), the storage medium (100) comprising computer instructions for selecting (502) at least one workflow (112) from a plurality of workflows, and associating (506) the at least one workflow (112) with at least one target user (204) selected (504) from a plurality of target users (202). (end of abstract) Agent: Akerman Senterfitt - West Palm Beach, FL, US Inventors: Tsz Simon Cheng, Gregory P. Fitzpatrick, Daniel Hassell USPTO Applicaton #: 20060089866 - Class: 705008000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, Or Cost/price Determination, Automated Electrical Financial Or Business Practice Or Management Arrangement, Operations Research, Allocating Resources Or Scheduling For An Administrative Function The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060089866. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to computer systems, and more particularly to a computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereof. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Modern business processes are becoming increasingly complex and often require cooperation among workers scattered both within a given enterprise and across enterprise boundaries. Conventional workflow software products to enable these business processes are focused on tying together disparate enterprise systems and presenting a consolidated, end-to-end workflow for users of such systems. These products, however, are unable to adequately address dynamic changes in work conditions in a complex multi-user environment. For instance, when a user unexpectedly calls in sick, it is very cumbersome to reassign workflows to other users using a workflow system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Embodiments in accordance with the invention provide a computer system and method for exchanging workflows between users. [0004] In a first embodiment of the present invention, a method of exchanging workflows in a computer system that presents said workflows using a graphical user interface (GUI), includes the steps of selecting at least one workflow from a plurality of workflows, and associating the at least one workflow with at least one target user selected from a plurality of target users. [0005] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method of exchanging workflows in a computer system that presents said workflows using a graphical user interface (GUI), includes the steps of selecting a first workflow and a second workflow from a plurality of workflows, and associating the first workflow with a first target user and the second workflow with a second target user, said first and second target users selected from a plurality of target users. [0006] In a third embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium for exchanging workflows, said workflows presented by way of a graphical user interface (GUI), includes computer instructions for selecting at least one workflow from a plurality of workflows, and associating the at least one workflow with at least one target user selected from a plurality of target users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIGS. 1-3 are illustrations of a presentation by a computer system for graphically and textually exchanging workflows, respectively. [0008] FIG. 4 illustrates of a prompt for delegating a workflow. [0009] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for exchanging workflows in a computer-readable storage medium. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of embodiments of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the embodiment of the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. [0011] FIGS. 1-3 are illustrations of a presentation by a computer system 100 for graphically and textually exchanging workflows, respectively. Each user of the computer system 100 is presented with a graphical user interface 102 (GUI 102). The presentation formats for the GUI 102 in FIGS. 1-3 are illustrative and not intended to be limiting of the claims below. For instance, drop-down menus could be replaced with graphical representations, while the workflows could be presented in a separate cascaded or tiled window. Accordingly all modifications to the GUI 102 of FIGS. 1-3 in addition to any combination of presentation methods which provide a function, way and result equivalent to the aforementioned description is intended to be within the scope of the claims included herein. [0012] The computer system 100 is realized from a typical combination of hardware and software with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system 100 such that it carries out the functions described herein. The computer system 100 can use any kind of processor, server, mainframe or other apparatus singly or in combination adapted for carrying out the functions of the claims below. Additionally, the computer system 100 may be centralized in one processor or mainframe, or distributed where different elements are spread across several interconnected computers or workstations. [0013] For purposes of illustration only, the computer system 100 will comprise a server, and a plurality of conventional computer terminals coupled to each other by way of conventional networking means (e.g., wired or wireless Ethernet). The server will operate an instance of workflow software operating in accordance with the claims below. Each of the plurality of computer terminals will have access to the server for acting on the software operating therein. It would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that other software or hardware configurations are possible without changing the scope of the invention described herein. [0014] In FIG. 1, the GUI 102 window is subdivided into two workspaces 106-108. The workspace 106 to the left presents a textual work environment including Workflow Templates, Current Workflow Instances, status of Exchanged Workflow Instances, and Archived Workflow Instances. The Workflow Templates may be used for Processing Order(s), updating Customer Information and establishing New Orders. The Current Workflow Instances outlines current orders in process (illustrated by way of example as Orders A & B). The status of Exchanged Workflow Instances illustrates workflows that have been assigned to a source user and workflows the source user has assigned to target users. [0015] For the purposes of describing the exchange of workflows within the computer system 100 environment, the term "source user" refers to a user operating from one of the computer terminals of the computer system 100 that submits workflows to "target users". The term "target users", on the other hand, refers to a recipient user of the workflows submitted by the source user who is operating on a different computer terminal of the computer system 100. The terms "source user" and "target user" are interchangeable depending on who is submitting workflows and who is receiving the submitted workflows, respectively. [0016] Additionally, the terms "target user(s)" and "source user(s)" may take the form of individuals, enterprises and/or services. Target users serving as individuals may be within the same company or firm as the source user, or contracted or sub-contracted firms or companies. Similarly, target users may be enterprises or services. For instance, a target user may be a supply enterprise that is solicited by the source user to complete a workflow task 112 (e.g., deliver supplies to a destination). Alternatively, target users may be service organizations such as temporary employment service firms. In this case, a workflow may be assigned to someone or several employees in the firm according to the complexity of the delegated task 112. [0017] It should be evident that source users and/or target users may take on many embodiments which do not change the operability of the invention. These embodiments, along with all modifications and additions, are intended to be within the scope of the claims included herein. [0018] In the illustration of FIG. 1, no workflows have been assigned to the source user, while the source user has requested assignment of two workflows: one to Target User 1 (Process Invoice) who has accepted the source user's delegation, and the other to Target User 2 (Send Invoice) who has yet to accept the source user's delegation. In the descriptions below, the term "workflow(s)" refers to partial or whole Orders. To distinguish partial Orders, the term "workflow task(s)" or "task(s)" will be used to refer to sub elements of the Order. These terms will be used interchangeably and are considered equivalents throughout the description of the invention. [0019] Continuing with FIG. 1, the source user has delegated workflow tasks 112 to Target Users 1 & 2 which comprise a portion of Order A. Alternatively, the source user may delegate entire workflows 112 such as, for example, delegating Order A to Target User 1 and Order B to Target User 2, or any task and/or workflow combination thereof. The Archived Workflow Instances outline the workflows archived by the source user and workflows transferred to target users. Continue reading... Full patent description for Computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereof Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereof patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereof or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Formal sequential lagrangian algorithm for large scale resource scheduling optimization Next Patent Application: Computer-aided method for managing a part shipping apparatus development project Industry Class: Data processing: financial, business practice, management, or cost/price determination ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Computer system for exchanging workflows and methods thereof patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 4.09824 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Medical: Surgery , Surgery(2) , Surgery(3) , Drug , Drug(2) , Prosthesis , Dentistry |
||
